Richard Lee Forfeits Majority of WSOP Prize

Law, 2007-10-19, by Ozone

Shortly after being knocked out in 6th place by Jamie Gold in the 2006 WSOP, Richard Lee's home was raided by San Antonio police. His cash and assets, including his $2.8 million WSOP payday, were seized in the raid. At the time, he was suspected of running an illegal bookmaking operation.

This week, Lee signed a plea agreement that involved the forfeiture of $2.2 million. The plea allows him to avoid jail time.

Ironically, Lee was the only final table participant in the 2006 WSOP who was not sponsored by an online poker room. Instead of agreeing to an endorsement deal, Lee stated that he was just playing for the city of San Antonio. Now that appears to be eerily true; his money will be split between the San Antonio Police Department and the District Attorney's office.